Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for BI 231Z archive revision 202604

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Effective Term:
Fall 2026

Course Number:
BI 231Z
Course Title:
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30

Course Description

Examines the structure and function of the human body through a body systems approach. Explores anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems at the relevant levels of biological organization (chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system). Covers neurophysiology and excitable membranes. Includes foundational aspects such as anatomical terminology and homeostasis. This course includes a laboratory component. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. BI 231Z and BI 231 are equivalent at PCC. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to: 

  1. Explain key homeostatic mechanisms and feedback loops in the integumentary and skeletal systems. 
  2. Describe anatomical structures and their relationships to function in the integumentary, skeletal, muscular systems, and neural tissue.
  3. Explain key processes of the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems and neural signaling.
  4. Relate the relevant levels of biological organization to the functions of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular systems, and neural tissue.
  5. Describe how the integumentary, skeletal, muscular systems, and neural tissue interact with other body systems.
  6. Apply physiological and/or anatomical concepts of the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems, and neural tissue to practical scenarios such as clinical, public health, and societal issues.
  7. Identify major structures in tissues, integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems using lab materials. 

Quantitative Reasoning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to analyze questions or problems that impact the community and/or environment using quantitative information.

General education philosophy statement

BI 231Z is the first course in a year-long series of anatomy and physiology. The series is a prerequisite to many allied health programs including but not limited to nursing, dental hygiene, and physical therapy. In this course we study form and function of the human body. For each system we study we begin at the cellular level and increase our perspective to include tissues, organs, and organ systems. We then include how the system is integrated with other body systems. We discuss the function of these systems in the context of homeostasis and how their environmental and lifestyle can impact function. Students learn to apply the information they learn in clinical settings and apply their knowledge to disease etiology, pathophysiology and the effects of their environment and their own health. Students analyze quantitative and qualitative data in order to distinguish between healthy physiological function and disease states. Ethical, environmental and social considerations of maintaining health, or addressing health disparities, are discussed.

Course Activities and Design

This course will be taught in a traditional lecture and laboratory format. Lecture will be presented utilizing a variety of multimedia and interactive presentations. Laboratory experiences will be largely hands-on and team-based, utilizing a variety of resources including (but not limited to): multimedia, prepared microscope slides, human and animal specimens. 

Outcome Assessment Strategies

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will explain the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade. Instructors are encouraged to include a variety of techniques, including: examinations, quizzes, poster and/or oral presentations, interpretation of case studies, homework assignments, laboratory write-ups, research papers, portfolios and small group exercises.